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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Saskia Kemsley

Best stockings and tights for the winter: stylish thermal options to elevate your winter wardrobe

If there’s one pair of tights that’s been on the world’s mind in the last year or so, it’s those worn by Taylor Swift during The Eras Tour. Why, we hear you ask? Not only do they somehow transform the singer’s legs into those of a veritable Barbie, but they’ve proven to keep her warm in even the most Arctic (well, Scottish) conditions.

When the star played Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium for three nights in June (Scottish ‘summertime’ is no joke), she was seen shaking off her frozen hands and dabbing a running nose throughout the almost four-hour-long set. For the vast majority of the show, she’s seen wearing a series of signature Versace bodysuits even though temperatures dipped to 8°C with intermittent, freezing cold drizzle and strong winds – so how on earth did she cope?

(Getty Images)

TikTok sleuths identified Swift’s tights as not one, but two pairs of thick dancer’s stockings by Capezio layered on top of one another – a trick that she’s been using throughout her touring career. She starts off with the ‘Ultra Shimmery Tight’ before popping the ‘Professional Fishnet Seamless Tight’ over the top. Both are available in a variety of flesh-toned hues as well as a classic dancer’s black colour.

If your aim is to stay warm while looking like a professional dancer, Capezio and other dancer’s stockings are going to be your saving grace. The reason they look so great for Taylor on stage is because they’re designed to look natural against harsh stage lights while providing an effortless contour effect. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear them on a day-to-day basis, just that they’ll look significantly shinier and perhaps a little darker than your natural skin tone if you go for flesh-toned tights.

For those who aren’t necessarily in the market for tights à la Taylor, but are instead looking for insulating stockings which come in a variety of colours and patterns to elevate your winter wardrobe, we’ve got you covered.

From single-layer stockings that’ll leave you feeling like a popstar without breaking the bank, to fleece-lined options for those who refuse to compromise on style no matter how cold it gets, we’ve got you covered.

Shop now

Calzedonia Thermal Ribbed Tights with Cashmere

Lined with sumptuously soft and oh-so warm cashmere, these stylish ribbed winter tights from Calzedonia are available in a variety of neutral hues – but we think the dark chocolate brown colour is going to be extremely popular this season.

Buy now £19.99, Calzedonia

Swedish Stockings Fishbone Tights

These premium tights by Swedish Stockings are knitted from a blend of organic wool and recycled elastane for freedom of movement, comfort and warmth. We’re huge fans of the subtly stylish fishbone stitching. Also offered in charcoal grey.

Buy now £39.00, Toast

Falke Warm Deluxe 80 DEN Women Tights

With a high-quality velvety finish, these opaque tights by Falke feature flat seams and a durable toe with soft-seam finishing – so you can wear them with your favourite boots, heels or trainers all winter long without fretting.

Buy now £36.00, Falke

M&S 200 Denier Thermal Fleece Lined Tights

For those who value wearing dresses in the colder months but can’t function without uber-warm stockings, M&S’ 200 dernier thermal tights are set to be your saving grace. They’ve been crafted with added stretch for a comfortable fit, as well as a brushed fleece lining for the utmost insulating power.

Buy now £8.00, M&S

Heist Studios The Sixty Opaque Tights

Highly saturated, opaque and eco-friendly, The Sixty tights by sustainable hosiery brand Heist feature a hand-sewn adaptive waistband and are made from soft, recycled yarn. Though they’re available in 13 different colours, we love the festive mauve wine hue.

Buy now £34.00, Heist

H&M 200 Denier Shaping Tights

Shaping tights are usually reserved for swanky evening soirees, but sometimes we want to feel our best in the office or while out with friends. Therefore, a budget-friendly pair that we can wear during the daytime is a must. H&M’s 200 denier tights protect the skin from the cold while giving the body a streamlined silhouette. Layer yours with a knitted dress or boucle mini skirt for the cutest sartorial concoction.

Buy now £11.99, H&M

Spanx Luxe Leg 60 Denier Tights

These tights come from Spanx, a brand known and loved for shapewear. The Luxe Leg high-waisted blackout tights are a necessary pre-winter addition to your wardrobe. Made from premium materials, they have a built-in shaper and a smooth front seam to hoist in the stomach. Zoned control promises a slender, toned look for any occasion.

Buy now £35.00, Very

Cos Sheertex Semi-sheer tights

Invest in a pair of tights to last years of wear and hopefully, no tear. Cos’ semi-sheer offering has been specially developed with trademarked Sheertex technology using a super strong, ripstop fabric. Not only are they great for avoiding snags, but they feel soft against the skin and make for the cosiest underlayer for when the winter chill sets in.

Buy now £35.00, Cos

Mary Quant Jacquard Daisy Coloured Tights

Pay homage to the designer who pioneered brightly coloured stockings with a beautiful pair of tights from Mary Quant featuring the designer’s iconic daisy motif.

Buy now £28.00, Mary Quant

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